Review: The Iconic Dior Saddle Bag: Wardrobe Staple or Overhyped Trend?
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My review:
I often think back to 2008, when I was 18 years old, working at Michael Kors in Bicester Village during my summer holiday before University. I think being surrounded by bags added to my obsession - I had been at Ralph Lauren as a weekend girl before then for two years, this also added to my luxury obsession (that’s a whole other story - twice a year we got friends and family discount of 50% (for unlimited items) + a uniform discount of I think 70% for two items a month - I was obsessed with cable knit! - it was so busy during this time - the queues at the tills were insane…)
I’d spend my lunch breaks wandering through the pristine Dior Outlet Boutique, a tiny, shiny space that practically gleamed with luxury (Bicester Village has changed a lot over the years - Dior used to be tiny). It was there that I first laid eyes on the Dior Gaucho and the iconic Saddle Bag. I can still picture the bags hanging perfectly on display—so beautiful, yet somehow out of reach. I wish I’d bought one then. Back then, the price tag for a Dior Saddle at the outlet was around £460. Can you even imagine? Fast forward to today, and that same bag retails for a jaw-dropping £3,450. But here's the silver lining: you don't need to pay full price. Preloved is where the freakin magic happens!
Photocredit: Shutterstock
Also, and I massively standby this statement. This is my hill to die on - Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Loewe quality was MILES better in the early 00s/early 10s - then it is now. (ignoring a couple of lines which weren’t well made to begin with) You get a better quality bag buying preloved and you save money!
When I finally decided to purchase the Saddle Bag years later, I was torn. Was it too "on tread"? Would it stand the test of time? I wasn't sure if it was a timeless classic or just another fleeting fashion moment. But honestly, after spending some time thinking about it (and a little help from seeing Taylor Swift and Molly-Mae Hague rocking theirs), I came to the conclusion that, yes, this is absolutely a piece that deserves a place in my wardrobe.
I bought my Dior Saddle from The Handbag Clinic I spent £1,686.55. Remember RRP is double this. They currently have one on sale at the moment for £2,495.00, which is move expensive - but it is 2020 season AND you get 10% off if you are a new customer so it’s £2,246. The Handbag Clinic always delivers - I went and collected from the old Chelsea Store & was very happy. I have really silly logic despite spending so much money I always opt for free collection. The blog is called Luxury for less after all.
Let’s face it: the Dior Saddle is a statement bag, one that truly defines luxury. The craftsmanship is exceptional. My version is from April 2002, and it still feels and looks brand new. The leather is incredibly durable, the stitching impeccable—honestly, I think it would survive a nuclear fallout (okay, slight exaggeration, but you get my point). It’s been over 20 years since this bag was made, yet it’s still holding up like a dream. That’s a testament to Dior’s quality, and it makes the steep price tag feel just a little bit more justified.
Photocredit: Unsplash via Squarespace
The Saddle Bag isn’t just about looks though; it’s practical too. It fits my “essentials”—wallet, keys, lipstick, concealer, highlighter, AirPods (yes, I carry a lot of beauty essentials in my bag, don’t judge me). But what I love most is how versatile it is. You can wear it as an everyday bag, or pull it out for a special occasion. It's small enough to be elegant but roomy enough to carry everything you need.
That said, there are a few quirks. The velcro on the bags closure can be a bit annoying, you have to take the time to line it up perfectly, otherwise, it bunches up awkwardly. It’s a small irritation, but one that can be annoying when you’re in a rush (and let’s face it, who isn’t?).
Another thing that makes me laugh—my hairbrush. It’s the one item that completely ruins the clean lines of the bag. The shape is so structured, so pristine, that even something as simple as a hairbrush can throw off its silhouette. So, I’ve resorted to carrying a compact foldable brush to avoid this problem. Priorities, right?
But overall, I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The Dior Saddle Bag is a true icon of modern luxury, a bag that transcends trends and holds its own as a piece of fashion history. And if you’re like me, always dreaming of the bag you could’ve bought in 2008, let this be a lesson: sometimes, it’s worth the wait.
Pros
Taylor Swift has this bag. “One time I saw Taylor Swift wearing a black Dior Saddle Bag so i bought a black Dior Saddle Bag”. I am joking but I love having the same bag as Taylor - sue me.
Cross-Body and Shoulder options. You can also buy multiple straps to swap in and out. It lies against the body perfectly
Very durable, good quality leather
Great investment piece
It goes with a lot in the wardrobe
Looks good
Cons
Has it been overdone? I can’t decide
Expensive - Massive range online from £1,800 - £3,000 across VC, Ebay, Sellier Knightsbridge, Designer Exchange, The Handbag Clinic
I would like it to fit more in.
Rating: 8/10
I can’t decide if it is timeless or will become dated again. I’d like it to fit more.
The mini
